“Cory Spinks was my idol growing up in St. Louis,” Latimore said, “but it’s time for me to step up and for him to step aside. Cory can run, but he cannot hide from my power.”

Spinks, a former four-time world champion, said he has much to teach his 23-year old cross-town rival. “I’m going to take Deandre to school and show him the ropes.” Spinks said. “I’m going to prepare him for what he can expect in his next fight and every fight after that.”

Another rising St. Louis star, undefeated Devon Alexander, displayed burgeoning power at his workout to compliment his established hand speed. “I’m on the verge of my first world championship fight and I feel like nothing can stop me,” the WBC’s super lightweight mandatory challenger said. “I’ve worked my whole life for this and I’m ready to realize my dreams. Anybody who gets into the ring with me is going to have to hit like Tyson and be as fast as “Sugar” Ray Leonard.”

Jesus Rodriguez arrived in St. Louis yesterday from California. At his workout, he explained his plan to slow down the charging Alexander. “I see this fight as a great opportunity for me to show I can compete at this level,” Rodriguez said. “Alexander is next in line to fight the WBC champion at 140 pounds. I would like to disrupt those plans. I’ll counter his skills with precise punching to slow his momentum.”

Full Quotes

Cory Spinks: I’m going to take Deandre to school and show him the ropes. I’m going to prepare him for what he can expect in his next fight and every fight after that. I will teach him the type of skills he will need to perform at the world championship level. I respect Deandre and what he has done to get where he is, but he’s just not ready for me yet.”

Deandre Latimore: “Cory Spinks was my idol while growing up in St. Louis. I respect him for all he’s done in boxing, but it’s time for me to step up and for him to step aside. He can run but he cannot hide from my power. I never thought I’d face Cory when I was coming up, but I’ve moved through the ranks and I’m ready for the challenge. I’ve got to do it, and I’m going to get it done.”

Devon Alexander: “I’m on the verge of my first world championship fight and I feel like nothing can stop me. I’ve worked my whole life for this. I’m ready to realize my dreams. Anybody who gets into the ring with me is going to have to hit like Tyson and be as fast as “Sugar” Ray Leonard.

“Most kids come up starting to fight and they want to become a professional and win a world championship. Not many make it this far. Now I’m getting the chance to have a lifelong dream come true.

“Anyone who gets in the ring with me needs to know I’m on a mission to capture all the belts and become the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. At the same time I am still humble, but I do have goals I set for myself. So far, I’ve reached them all.”

Jesus Rodriguez: “I see this fight as a great opportunity for me to show I can compete at this level. Alexander is next in line to fight the WBC champion at 140 pounds. I would like to disrupt those plans. He looks like a strong, quick southpaw who likes to come right at you. I’ll counter his skills with precise punching to slow his momentum.